Fencing system and post insert for use therewith

Abstract

A fencing system typically includes hollow posts with rail structures extending therebetween. A post mount assembly is configured to mount on a foundation and is slidably received within each hollow post to provide suitable support for the posts. In one embodiment, each post mount assembly includes a wedge which is wedged against the post mount assembly typically to force the post mount assembly against an inner surface of the post. The post mount assembly may include a post mount and a post insert which is vertically adjustable relative to the post mount and against which the wedge is wedged.

1 . A fencing system comprising:
 a post mount assembly having an upper end and a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation;   a post having an inner surface defining a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;   a post mount of the post mount assembly;   a first wall of the post mount assembly which is vertically slidable relative to the post mount; and   a wedge of the post mount assembly which is movable relative to the post mount and first wall from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the post mount assembly is forced against the inner surface of the post in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the post mount assembly has a central vertical axis; and the post mount assembly moves away from the central vertical axis in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein in the wedged position the wedge is wedged between the post mount and first wall. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 a top and bottom of the wedge; and 
 a through passage formed in the wedge from the top to the bottom; 
 wherein the wedge is downwardly movable relative to the post mount with the post mount received in the through passage. 
 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 an outer surface of the post mount; 
 a sidewall which comprises the first wall and is positioned outwardly of the outer surface of the post mount; 
 an inner surface of the sidewall defining a sidewall cavity; 
 wherein the wedge is within the sidewall cavity in the wedged position. 
 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 an outer surface of the post mount; and 
 a sliding engagement between the wedge and outer surface of the post mount. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sliding engagement between the wedge and first wall during movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sliding engagement between the wedge and first wall which translates downward movement of the wedge into horizontal movement of the post mount assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first wall is substantially flat and vertically oriented. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first wall flexes in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 a post insert which comprises the first wall and is vertically slidable relative to the post mount; 
 an outer surface of the post mount; and 
 a sliding engagement between the post insert and outer surface of the post mount. 
 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 a post insert which comprises the first wall and has a top and bottom; 
 a through passage formed in the post insert from the top to the bottom; 
 wherein the post insert is vertically movable relative to the post mount with the post mount received in the through passage. 
 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising
 a post insert of the post mount assembly; and 
 a first section of the post insert; 
 wherein the first wall is cantilevered from the first section; and 
 the first wall moves in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  further comprising a second wall which is cantilevered from the first section;
 wherein the second wall moves in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a second wall of the post mount assembly;
 wherein the first wall moves in a first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position; and 
 the second wall moves in a second direction different from the first direction in response to movement of the wedge from the first position to the wedged position. 
 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a securing mechanism for securing the first wall to the post mount at a selected height. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  further comprising a post insert which comprises the first wall and is vertically slidable relative to the post mount;
 wherein the securing mechanism comprises a fastener extending from the post insert to the post mount. 
 
     
     
         19 . A fencing system comprising:
 a post mount assembly comprising a post mount having an upper end and a lower end adapted to mount on a foundation;   a post having an inner surface defining a post cavity in which the post mount assembly is slidably receivable;   a first wall of the post mount assembly;   a wedge of the post mount assembly which has a top and a bottom;   a through passage formed in the wedge from the top to the bottom;   wherein the wedge is downwardly movable relative to the post mount with the post mount received in the through passage from a first position to a wedged position in which the wedge is wedged against the first wall.   
     
     
         20 . A method comprising the steps of:
 securing a lower end of a post mount assembly to a foundation so that the post mount assembly extends upwardly from the foundation;   inserting the post mount assembly into a post cavity defined by an inner surface of a post; and   wedging a wedge of the post mount assembly against a first wall of the post mount assembly to force the post mount assembly against the inner surface of the post.